Here’s a quick look at the Dolphins as the trade deadline approaches:
- Could the Dolphins make a play for Browns cornerback Joe Haden before the deadline? Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald isn’t so sure that Miami would make that move. So far, Pro Football Focus has Haden ranked as the 29th overall cornerback in the NFL and if Miami views him in the same light, then they won’t want to move the necessary resources to acquire him. Salguero notes that safety, linebacker, and running back are also potential positions of need for the Dolphins, but it’s not clear if they’ll look to the trade market to address those problems either. For more on Haden and other top trade targets, check out our 2016 NFL Trade Deadline Primer.
- Dolphins cornerback Chris Culliver says he’s ready to make his 2016 debut after being sidelined with a knee injury, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. “I feel good; I can play Sunday,” said Culliver, who has been on the PUP list since the start of the season. “If I’m not activated, I’ll be mad. It would be a disappointment. I’m ready to rock.” Culliver’s contract calls for him to earn $156K+ for each game he’s on the 53-man roster, so it would greatly benefit him if he were activated.
- Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch has hired agents Jimmy Sexton and Tory Dandy of CAA Football for representation, according to Rand Getlin (on Twitter). Branch signed a one-year, $2.75MM deal ($2.5MM guaranteed base) with the Dolphins this offseason. He’ll be eligible for free agency after the 2016 season. Branch, a second-round pick in 2012, spent the first four years of his career in Jacksonville, where he amassed 14 sacks in 51 Andre Branch appearances (13 starts). He logged a career-best 10 starts in 13 appearances last season, totaling 24 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. So far this year, he has 17 total tackles and three sacks.